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Bangladesh Detains 34 West Bengal Fishermen Following Accidental Border Crossing

Indian diplomats in Dhaka are pressing Bangladesh’s interim government to repatriate the fishermen detained at Mongla Port under ongoing legal charges.

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BSF personnel patrol the Gangadhar river near the India-Bangladesh border. (AFP)
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Overview

  • On July 13-14, 34 fishermen from South 24 Parganas set out on two trawlers, FB Jhor and FB Mongol Chandi 38, and drifted into Bangladeshi waters due to darkness and rough monsoon seas.
  • The Bangladesh Navy intercepted their vessels near the Fairway Buoy about 77 nautical miles from Mongla Port and escorted the crews and boats to the port.
  • Legal proceedings were initiated under Bangladesh’s fisheries and inland water transport regulations, and the fishermen remain in custody at the Mongla police station.
  • The Indian High Commission in Dhaka and West Bengal Fisheries Department officials are in talks with Bangladeshi counterparts to secure a swift repatriation of the fishermen.
  • Families have been assured of the fishermen’s safety but remain concerned about potential harassment based on previous reports of mistreatment under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.